Book of Shadows

Book of Shadows takes listeners on an emotional carnival ride. The music spans the spectrum from lyrical ballads to hard-driving rock while the lyric are guaranteed to make listeners think about what they're hearing.

This is not your typical new age CD.

In fact, it's not your typical anything. Coven 13 has a distinctive sound that defies categorizing. The songs on this one CD alone cross the barriers between a number of genres. Unfortunately, that works against Coven 13 when it comes to getting air play on commercial radio.

You'll most often hear Teisen Russell and Amanda Adams live at pagan festivals and ren faires. You can also catch them in clubs around their native Salem, Mass. The coven/witchcraft tie in seems a natural considering their poin of origin.

However, Listening to their music, you come away with the idea that these people aren't just milking the Goth/pagan theme for profit. They genuinely seem to live and breath pagan spirituality. In fact, they were introduced by resident Salem witch Shawn Poirier who felt that they belonged together.

The result is a perfect example of the law of the triangle in action. Teisen and Amanda's divergent energies and talents have blended beautifully into something larger than both of them. Book of Shadows is the first and most powerful manifestation of that creative force.

In Fallen Angels, Teisen's plaintive questioning of existence turns to an affirmative growl as he recognizes the simple truth of being. Haunted is a lovely tale of lost love which beautifully features Amanda's classical piano training.

All songs on the CD are powerfully life affirming and thought provoking. This is music that wants to be noticed and wants to make the listener think. If you're into Wicca or some other pagan religion, Book of Shadows makes a great addition to your pagan-friendly music collection.

And if you're one of those people who has doubts about pagans, this CD might change your mind. The purity and sincerity of Coven 13's devotion to their ideals comes through loud and clear.

So, if you're looking for philosophy-laden music to help you think or just a good sound to lift your spirits, Book of Shadows should fit the bill.

You can find out more about Coven 13 by visiting coven13.com. You can also listen to clips of the songs or buy the CD at Amazon.